photo sharing and upload picture albums photo forums search pictures popular photos photography help login
Linda A | all galleries >> Galleries >> Every Day I Write My Book - 2004 diary > 27th March 2004 - sheer madness....
previous | next
27-MAR-2004

27th March 2004 - sheer madness....

Today has been such a complete and utter scream!

We’d agreed to meet late because we all felt the need for a lie in after last night’s late dinner. After a change of room – to a bigger, more spacious one, we met the gang in the lobby and have subsequently walked our feet off around the streets of NYC.

My opinion of this lively, exciting city has changed 100% since my last visit when I hated every moment of a weekend shopping. I spent the entire time I was here terrified on that occasion so I never count it as a real visit because I spent the time either shopping (which as you know I hate) or cowering in my hotel waiting to go home.

Now I feel confident – I have even been able to direct a New Yorker (Lara) back from Soho to our hotel because she was completely disorientated and lost….I just have a natural sense of direction.

We’ve taken loads of photos (the gallery will have to wait till we get home – loading while on a modem is no fun at all) and this hotel really doesn’t have a broadband connection – now I know what to look for. Every time I’ve stopped, one of the gang has been pointing a camera at me…this photo was taken of Mark, Lara and Jill photographing me and Jeanne sitting on a sofa in a flea market on the way to Greenwich Village.

Unlike my one and only visit to the USA about 10 years ago, this time I have felt really safe and really comfortable. Lara took us to ‘the village’ (Greenwich Village) – now you see I’m talking like a local …..well that’s tawkin leyke a locarl…..and took us to the most wonderful Middle Eastern restaurant. Falafel and salad with Pitta bread (yum) all washed down with about ˝ bottle of Blackened Voodoo….I ran out of steam before finishing it….and then ran out of steam quickly afterwards, while we were in Soho, looking at the artists along the street. We decided (well, they all humoured me) to come back to the hotel and have a bit of a rest.

Lara then said ‘I’m lost’ and I said ‘don’t worry, just come along here, follow me’….sure enough, I found our way home. The city is on a grid system (in case you don’t know) so as long as you remember that the avenues run north to south and start in the east at 1st and the streets run east to west starting in the south at first…so I can’t claim to be any great explorer.

The whole trip was about a 3-4 mile walk in the sunshine. At no stage did I feel in any way threatened.

We’re not the only NYC newbies, Jill’s never been here either so she has been walking around open mouthed like us. We’ve all had our cameras out all the time without any problems at all. As we’ve ambled along I’ve been conscious of three things:

Firstly if someone has gone missing they’re usually to be found pointing a camera at something, sometimes above us, sometimes on the same level, sometimes far away and sometimes really close by.

Secondly, it’s easy to spot Jeanne and me in a crowd – just look for the RED hair. The rest of the gang are harder.

Thirdly every so often a shriek of laughter comes from one of us and we just have to have a group hug….Jeanne is obsessed with photographing us all spooning….

Now? We’re in our room and taking a break before going out looking for a restaurant for supper. Who knows where that will take us!

Now I’m signing off for today because I’m missing out on this PotD experience by having my back to them all typing so night night to all, see you again tomorrow.


other sizes: small medium original auto
share
jeanb29-Mar-2004 19:12
Looking forward to seeing lots more of those NY photos. In the meantime, don't forget what you are really there for :-)
Chris Brooker29-Mar-2004 08:24
I really have enjoyed this weekend.
I have been with you all the way.
What fun!!
Guest 28-Mar-2004 16:57
You guys' trip is so wonderful. Looking forward to seeing more NYC photos and stories!
Sam
Guest 28-Mar-2004 10:18
Hi you all! I just missed your post when I went to bed! Looks like you are having a ball over there - make sure you get LOTS of photos, but don't let it get in the way of having fun.
Speak soon, Little Sis XX
Guest 28-Mar-2004 08:45
Oh my... you all have such a great time. I wish I was there.
Guest 28-Mar-2004 06:36
Linda.....You rock my world....I can't even find words to express the feelings I have right now!!

Just wait until you see the "Late March Madness" shots I have us you and ME at the hotel!! LOL!!! XXXXX ~ jhr
wpmadden28-Mar-2004 05:04
glad you are having a great time in NYC!!
and you are able to do something other than work meetings and dinners and skits
Guest 28-Mar-2004 03:45
I'm with Jeanne, a group spoon would be cool. A must have. Post it tomorrow.
mikiruaq28-Mar-2004 03:11
Very cool, I feel like this is one great big soap opera and can't wait until the installment :-)
Ray :)28-Mar-2004 01:19
Boy, its worth waiting up to see just ONE picture from NYC and hear about your day. I'm so glad you are now feeling comfortable there. I really cannot wait to see all your pix in the coming days and hearing some more first hand stories of the trip. So where was David here - had he found a Beetle to photograph or something?
Geoff Delderfield Photography28-Mar-2004 01:18
Have a great time! Looking forward to all the new shots Linda!
Guest 28-Mar-2004 01:05
Isn't technology amazing,here I am on the other side of the world watchin youse meetin wit each uver as it happens and it sounds like your all having a great time.Good luck to youse all.Cheers Jeff.
Guest 28-Mar-2004 00:51
Oh so wonderful to hear of your trip and see the fun you are having!!!!
Guest 28-Mar-2004 00:46
LOVE IT!! Reading your words makes me feel like I am right there with you all!! Sitting on the edge of my chair for more!!!
Guest 28-Mar-2004 00:33
LOL - Linda spooning??? LMAO!! Great shot of those three!! Sounds like all of you guys are having a blast!! Have a good super!
Adalberto Tiburzi28-Mar-2004 00:31
Curious perspective. Seems a pet photographing three humans photographing two pets. Funny. :-)
virginiacoastline28-Mar-2004 00:27
This is my vitamin!! I laffed as I saw the thumbnail & couldn't wait to see the whole picture . . I grin from ear to ear . . and I can STILL hear your voice . .and David's (poor sleepless dears) . .and everyone else's. I cracked up at your version of Noo Yawk (ala Ian & Angela) . . Have a wonderful night . . sleep is easy to get . . back home . . .next month maybe . =)